FAQs about Targets

What Is a Target?

The Targets adopted by Disability Rights NC are true to the definition -- a goal to be reached. We need to accomplish many different goals to achieve full equality and justice for people with disabilities in North Carolina. But we do not have resources necessary to tackle all of the issues at one time.

To create our Targets, first, we gather information through public input and from people who call our office for help. Then we use that information to identify problems that are widespread or that pose the greatest threats to the independence of people with disabilities. Finally, we develop an outcome that represents the resolution or elimination of the problem. That outcome becomes a Target of our work.

Why Does Disability Rights NC Need Targets?

As the federally mandated protection and advocacy (P&A) system in North Carolina, we receive most of our funding from the federal government through grants. Targets give us the structure within which we can spend our limited resources. Each year, we carefully plan the expenditure of the grant funds across the Targets and activities conducted under the three core P&A functions not included in the Targets.

In addition, the Targets give our funders a measurable objective with which to gauge our success in achieving the Target. As with all grant funds, the grant recipient must account for how it spent the money.

Does Disability Rights NC Do Any Work Not Covered by the Targets?

Yes! Targets apply to our legally-based advocacy work, which is one of our core functions. However, Disability Rights NC also has three other core functions:

Providing information, referrals, and training on the rights of people with disabilities;

Monitoring facilities where people with disabilities live or receive services in order to prevent, detect, and address abuse, neglect, or exploitation; and